Barbara Ellen Dawson

Barbara Dawson
Runnells

Barbara Ellen Dawson, 94, of Runnells, Iowa passed into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ on September 18, 2024. Barbara was born on October 5, 1929 in Runnells, Iowa to Jesse and Anna (Vaughn) Hunnell and was the third of five children, joining her two older brothers, Dwight and Halford, and two younger sisters, Shirley and Linda. Barbara graduated from Runnells Consolidated School in 1948. She met the love of her life, Robert Dawson, when they were both teenagers. They eloped and were married in Missouri in 1947, returning to Runnells where they lived out their lives. They had one child, a daughter, who passed away at birth in 1949. They grew their family later in life by raising two great-nieces, sisters Anna Kain and Jessica Hunnell.

Barbara was a wife, farmer, builder, and kitchen extraordinaire. She was very intelligent and enjoyed writing, history, genealogy, farming, finance, and architecture. A devoted Christian, she always kept a bible within arm’s reach for studying. Proud of her heritage, Barbara tirelessly researched her family genealogy, participated in countless women’s groups focusing on military services, was a major contributor to the publication of two Runnells, Iowa history books, and advocated for legislation at local, state, and federal levels. A cherished wife, she treasured the partnership shared with her beloved husband Robert, as evident in their 75 years of dedicated marriage. They worked side by side, all hours all days, only stopping for rest, recovery, family, community and prayer. They came together in all things and truly held a marriage to be admired. And she was an extraordinary aunt, always available to make a wedding cake, teach a recipe, share advice and counsel, and provide various forms of support. She was one of a kind, she left a mark in our world, and she will be greatly missed.

Barbara is survived by her great-niece, Jessica Hunnell; brother, Halford Hunnell; sister, Linda Wichhart; and a long list of special nieces and nephews, family and friends who loved and cherished her dearly.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Dawson: her daughter; parents, Jesse and Anna Hunnell; great-niece, Anna Kain; brother, Dwight Hunnell; and sister, Shirley Des Rosiers.

Family will greet friends Friday, October 4th, 2024 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW, Altoona, Iowa. Funeral service will be held the following day, Saturday, October 5th, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Burial will occur directly following the service at Lowman Cemetery in Runnells. Services will be livestreamed. The Livestream link will be posted at the end of this obituary on the day of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Runnells Historical Society, P.O. Box 126, Runnells, Iowa 50237.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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